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​ Busy and bustling- Koreatown is not your average spot in Los Angeles to enjoy a relaxing meal. Luckily, the Line Hotel gives guests the opportunity to take a trip to the "garden in the sky". Commissary is the current spot that is stealing all of our hearts and likes on Instagram and Facebook. Placed into the swank Line Hotel, the restaurant joined a strong line of "things to do" in Koreatown list. Coming into the Los Angeles restaurant chain in 2014 was difficult, due to the new transition of healthy being the new tasty. Already contributing Korean tacos at his LA Kogi truck, Chef Roy Choi was the man for the job. His style of fresh tasty food for the working-class became his signature and helped him build a chain of fast-food restaurants. He created the vegetable-driven greenhouse restaurant that has took over all of our social media feeds. Bloggers and Average Angelos surrounded by trees and a all-you-can-eat buffet, sounds like a Los Angeles adventure to me!

First Impression

"Where the hell is this place?" Everyday, I check my Insta feed to find out where Angelos are eating these days. Everyday I look, and Everyday this restaurant pops up on my feed! Constantly, seeing influencers posing with their coffee surrounded by various plants- looked like a blogger's wonderland and I wanted a taste. Even without actually seeing the food! Starting my Saturday adventure, I was not positive of what I was getting myself into. The only thing I knew about the K-Town spot is that it was a greenhouse in a hotel. Pulling into the Line Hotel parking lot, I was greeted by the annoyance of Wilshire parking. After making a couple of U-turns, I broke down and did the best LA option, valet.

On the rooftop deck of the hotel, Commissary is tucked in between a small pool and ping pong table set, making it an ultimate LA rooftop spot (story coming real soon). Housed inside the giant greenhouse, architect Sean Knibb designed the rooftop with the bases of a cool greenery. While sipping my drink next to the pool, I looked up and noticed the potted plants hanging from the ceiling and the DJ tucked into the corner. Because of the restaurant's popularity, without a RSVP on a weekend it is going to take some time to get into the hottest place in town. Luckily, the wait staff is open to letting you hang out by the pool and enjoy the ambiance. Also for your convenience, you can leave the staff your cellphone number and they will text you when your table is ready. Waiting with a view of the pool at the top of the Line Hotel on a sunny Saturday- relaxing and fabulous. I almost got caught up with waiting, until my name finally got called. Entering the greenhouse- music is loudly playing and you're surrounded by LA hipsters and brunchers who are excited to see what all the hype is about. First thing first, get in those great photo opps. The whole purpose of the place is to show off the amazing décor. The greenery inspo was inspired by the freshness of Los Angeles. Its evergreen, knitted and tightness is in homage to families coming to the table eating food strictly from the farms. Its focus is to bring people back to their natural roots. ​

What to Order?

Weekend mornings are always dedicated to brunch! From 9 A.M - 3 P.M., patrons at the Commissary can enjoy a weekend brunch fest. For the price of $37 is the unlimited made to order entrée of choice, the buffet feast and a beverage option of coffee, hot & iced tea and orange juice. The buffet included all of your breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites. The breakfast buffet included bacon, sausages and a build your own omelet station. Also for brunch are the made to order entrees including: eggs (anyway you want it), corn beef has, brioche eggs benedict, congee, pancakes and French toast. I decided to go with the classic combination of pancakes and the health driven maple syrup. After already being full from the beginning course, I was nervous to go through with the lunch portion. A prime rib carving station, build your own omelet station, poke, nacho bar, and more. Beyond the large amount of food, Commissary's ultimate focus is health. Accompanied with all of the meal options, was an open plate dedicated to salad and fruit.

I managed to have one of everything. Strictly for research of course! However my topping moment at the joint was experiencing the beverage options. Thanks to Commissary, health conscious alcoholic beverages officially made its way to my heart. My drink of choice was the cocktail called "Ride or Die". A blend of sage, blackberry, lemon and Remy 1738 - all for $15 might I add. Let's just say you get your money's worth from this small but powerful cocktail. ​

​Stop On By!

​Perks:

Things to do in Koreatown

Brunch Location

Cocktails and Happy Hour

Sunday Brunch

Rooftop Bar

Healthy and Fresh

Advice: -Parking in this area is extremely hectic during weekends. Park either at the meters around the corner or valet at the Line Hotel. - Great and amazing staff. - Take photos! This place is known for their photo opps. - Hang out at the pool! - Enjoy the Brunch fest for a great all you can eat offering!

Awkwardly placed in the "La Tijera" Triangle, this Los Angeles diner is a scene stealer for both Angelos and tourists. On the way to LAX, passerby can't help but to notice the 50's style diner. It's awkward location, placed between La Cienega, La Tijera and Centinela, keeps it the center of attention on the busy street. Standing tall contrasting the views of Inglewood, is the neon sign reading "Pann's". A Los Angeles icon, Pann's, has been serving the community since 1958. Being a family founded diner, is not a rarity within this city. However, with the years of service to the community and the amazing food, this diner is almost unmatched. Originally from Greece, George and Rena Panagopoulos moved to California to have a successful family business. After serving in the Air force, George has cooked for the troops of World War II and for many different restaurants. In 1958, they opened Pann's and drew in various guest with their comfort food and personalities.

​First Impression

It always seems like I am on a hunt for a great Los Angeles breakfast spot! I except my obsession for a brunch based restaurant that has my top three requirements for a "Live and Dine in LA" feature. First, I always go based off of food. I will detail that a tad bit later but, just know if the diner is on the Indigo Stop, it is amazing! Second, is based off of word of mouth. Searching for brunch joint, I always ask one question, "How is the chicken and waffles?" My favorite breakfast pairing and the reason I brunch, well besides the mimosas. The first thing that will pop up by googling the diner is the amount of reception of the food. Some even claim that this is the best fried chicken they've ever had. Of course that alone made my expectations extremely high for the place. Lastly, I always focus on the décor. I am a true born millennial with appreciation for classic style. Nothing is more classic than the ambiance of a restaurant. Displaying the theme of a particular culture or taste, is extremely difficult, so I am always appreciative for the style.

Pulling into the middle parking lot, on a Sunday, was almost difficult. However, my expectations for the place kept me committed, especially because a large crowd could mean that I am definitely missing out on something big. Walking onto the street, I realized that even though I am a full born and raised resident of Los Angeles, I never once visited the diner. I would always see this landmark in the middle of the street and was always taken back based off of the architecture. This architecture style is known as "Googie" and was designed by Armet and Davis. The unique style has even shined to millions in various shows or movies such as XXX, Bewitched and Pulp Fiction. Everyone should be able to remember that lengthy coffee shop scene. Both John Travolta and Samuel Jackson sat in the classic red leather seats and enjoyed amazing food. The diner is an ode to the Americana ways of Classic Los Angeles: topped with low arched ceilings, vintage décor and perfect lighting.

What to Order?

Offering the full 50's vintage diner experience, includes offering a diner based menu. During the week, the audience's favorite is the lunch menu. Although the weekly option can not be covered, I still fulfilled a story covering my weekend experience. Entering the diner on Sunday morning, I already knew my first destination, brunch central. The first step of brunch is always the drink selection! On Saturday and Sunday, champagne brunch is offered for $7.99. This includes four refills! The options are mimosas, cranberry champagne sparklers and bloody maries. I tried both the mimosas and the cranberry sparkler. Let's just say four refills is all you need to get a little bit twisted during your Sunday evening.

Now to the food! Of course, I ordered my personal favorite chicken and waffles. However, I also dipped an dabbled in a couple of things on the menu as well. I ordered the Pann's Belgian Waffle which included 4 wings for $13.55. Proportion of the wings was appropriate but, I wished I had a second waffle. The buttermilk waffle was AMAZING! Baked to perfection and neither too soft or crunchy. Added to the waffle was the home-style syrup and added powdered sugar. This I felt was needed because even though the waffle alone was soft, extra flavor would've made it perfection. The wings were my favorite part and were really delicious. Very crispy and cooked all the way. But, same as the waffle a little bit more seasoning would've done it just as much justice. Other then that the size of the wings were amazing and kept me full.​

Stop On By!

Perks:

Los Angeles and Tourist Icon

Brunch Location

Great Coffee

Sunday Brunch

Weekday Lunch

Advice: -Parking in this area is sometimes hectic during weekends. -Try visiting on weekdays, smaller crowds and probably better service and atmosphere! - There is nothing wrong with being a tourist and taking photos at this historical diner. - Try something new every time! This place has a lot of great food. I encourage you to try all the menu's favorites.

​ Hidden between both the floral and fashion districts of Los Angeles , sits a quaint yellow diner that contrasts the bustling city. Home-style cooking, comfort food and a friendly staff: Poppy+Rose Los Angeles has it all. At first glance , the café stands out with its unique styling and charm. Don't let the location frighten you, but beyond the heavy traffic, thousands of fabrics and foliage, Poppy+Rose makes the journey worthwhile. Downtown is a premiere location for all creatives to get inspired by the art of the city. Streets are filled with polka dots, furs and colorful fabrics. As well as the various floral decorations along an almost three block location, populates this area and brings in the heavy crowds. All that creativity eventually becomes overwhelming, and then the hunger develops. The street food including hot dogs and snacks do not necessarily complete my all-around creative adventure, especially because those locations are outdoors and do not provide sitting or working locations. The Wall Street's original location was occupied by a Mexican restaurant, until husband and wife Ryan and Diana Lamon collaborated with Michael Reed to open the café.

First Impression

When I hear about the Downtown café, my first thought was: traffic. Battling Downtown traffic is for the brave! Especially determining where to park and how to beat both ongoing an upcoming traffic. Visiting the café on a Thursday morning, was surprisingly almost the perfect time. I was able to step right in to the open café and find a spot at the large tables between the joint. I was surrounded by students or others equipped with their laptops and coffees. This place seemed like the ideal location to get work done with its wide space, lit room and chill atmosphere. Even the workers had the same quality charm as the location itself. They were friendly, yet non invasive. However, they still found a way to build a relationship with almost every person that visited.

The building itself resembled a Downtown loft. The décor was my favorite! Each wooden table had a basket set with a unique shaped glass of water, condiments and silverware. Topping the basket, is the daily flower given by the neighborhood flower shops. The simple tables were outshined by yellow steel chairs matching the color of the building. Finding a way to combine modern simplicity yet a rural edge, makes this location an instagrammable journey worthy of sharing.

​What To Order

Providing both breakfast and lunch, Poppy+Rose charms me as one of those great brunch locations. I've had my fair share of great brunch locations, so I claim my own expertise as a chicken and waffles connoisseur. Rumor of the café is that the meal is one of the favorites. Only I could be the judge for myself, so I decided to order it. I also taste tested a bagel in order to cure my early hunger. Beyond the chicken and waffles, the menu looked pretty delicious. Homestyled comfort food with a combination of modern flux is what this café is known for. You can have your hand at casual breakfast meals such as eggs, a breakfast sandwich and burrito. Lunch dishes are also a thing here. Other crowd favorites are sandwiches, burgers and even salads. Another fan favorite is the coffee options, that influences the visit for any occasion.

When my order came I was impressed by the portion size of the meal, not too much but very fulfilling. Granted there is never noting wrong with a large plate, this meal left me leaving with a to-go order. The waffle was really good. Even good enough to be eaten by itself. The complimenting syrup could've been a tad bit sweeter, but the waffle was a complete stand alone. Now I know what everyone is thinking of, the chicken. The make it or break it piece to the meal! It is very difficult for upscale joints to take on the home favorite. Not everyone can season a chicken, the way your grandma or mom can. However, this place was almost close. Seasoning on this chicken was surprisingly delicious. It was neither dry or too salty, and paired well with the sweet waffle. The chicken could've had a tad bit more crispiness and even adding an option of what piece of chicken to choose can up the meal a little more. Overall the plate was delicious and kept me full for almost the full day.

​Stop On By!

Perks:

Great coffee joint

Brunch Location

Work Location

Sunday Brunch

Chicken & Waffles

Advice: -Be aware of the parking locations within the area. This is Downtown and parking does cost. -Come at a suitable time! This place gets crowded real quick and does not really have much of a waiting location. So if you are going just to hang out or even to have a big meal with friends, I prefer to come a little in the later of the noon, because majority of the crowds come in around morning. - Try something new every time! This place has a lot of offers and will bring you coming back. I encourage you to try all the menu's favorites.